protective

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind

   a protective covering

2. 2
   adj

   showing care

   a protective mother

3. 3
   adj

   Serving or intended to protect.

   The fighter dropped into a protective stance.

4. 4
   adj

   Wishing to protect; defensive of somebody or something.

   Mother bears are famously protective of their cubs.

5. 5
   adj

   (usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful

6. 6
   noun

   Something that protects.

7. 7
   noun

   A condom.

Etymology

Etymology tree Medieval Latin prōtēctīvusbor. English protective Borrowed from Medieval Latin prōtēctīvus. By surface analysis, protect + ive.